Le Nonne: A little taste of Italy in Logan
Spring break is a perfect time to take a trip with friends. Most people I chat with are headed somewhere beautiful and warm, like California or Mexico. I almost feel left out, but then I remember… I’m going to Italy for spring break!
Le Nonne is literally two minutes from my apartment. All I have to do is drive, park and walk in the door. Bam. I am in Italy.
Everything about the motif of the charming house-restaurant speaks Italian culture. The path to the door is lined with little white lights and a garden on each side. It looks like something you might see outside a cute, Italian country home.
Inside the house, the soft lighting and warm, earthy colors are so inviting you literally feel “at home.” Elegant mirrors, pictures and flowers grace the walls. Le Nonne is furnished with thick-topped tables that are homey and welcoming. I am sure an Italian grandmother made noodles on them before they were brought to America.
That’s actually where the name Le Nonne (pronounced NO-NAY) comes from. Chef PierAntonio Micheli learned to cook from his mother and grandmother in northern Italy. “Le Nonne” literally means “grandmother” in Italian.
The service was friendly and prompt, but reservations are a must. I walked in a few days earlier and tried to get a spot but was told it would be a 90-minute wait. The second time I went I was greeted by name and seated immediately. It’s not too crowded in the little house. There was plenty of room for everyone without feeling scrunched.
Our waiter was knowledgeable and offered great suggestions on how to pronounce the menu items as well as which sauces are the best with which pastas.
I decided to order the famous gorgonzola gnocchi. Oh, I am so glad I did. I am from Idaho and I really appreciate good potatoes. But bless the dear Italians. They have perfected the potato dumpling. I had to look very close to make sure it wasn’t actually little cheese balls. They were thick, creamy, soft and smooth and everything gnocchi should be.
I’ll admit I have never tried gnocchi before, but I have dreamed about it. I have been looking for an opportunity to try authentic gnocchi for about five years now. The gnocchi served at Le Nonne was better than anything I had expected. It was quite pleasant to not be disappointed.
Most of the dishes are at least $15 dollars. It is definitely not McDonalds price, but then again…it’s definitely not McDonalds quality either. You get what you pay for. And trust me; if you love authentic Italian, it’s worth every penny.